Air handling unit manufacturer secures major commercial project

Weatherite Air Conditioning has secured a project to design and manufacture high-capacity air handling units as part of the Pilgrim Quarter Office Block development in Newcastle city centre.

During the project, Weatherite is also set to build six roof-mounted units specified to deliver 15m³ per second.

Pilgrim Quarter is a landmark office development designed to meet the expectations of a modern multi-storey commercial building, with a strong focus on indoor air quality, energy efficiency and performance.

The original concept was based on standard AHUs connected to separate air-to-water air source heat pumps.

However, as the design developed through Stage 2 and Stage 3, significant roof-level space restrictions emerged.

These constraints meant separate central plant could not be accommodated alongside the air handling units, creating a serious challenge for the project team.

Weatherite proposed a bespoke packaged approach that transformed the viability of the scheme.

By integrating each AHU with a reverse cycle heat pump within the original footprint allocated for the air handling units, the company removed the need for separate central plant altogether.

Weatherite’s in-house manufacturing capability also played a crucial role in securing and delivering the project.

All eight units were manufactured at the company’s West Midlands facility, giving the project team confidence in quality, programme control and testing standards.

Each AHU was designed in transportable sections given the sheer size of the units and the logistical challenges of a busy Newcastle city-centre site.

This modular strategy made delivery possible without the complications associated with oversized loads and enabled straightforward mechanical and electrical reconnection on site.

Each packaged unit reduced the need for multiple individual components, transportation requirements and on-site installation complexity.

The use of R513A refrigerant, a low Global Warming Potential A1 rated gas, reinforced the environmental credentials of the scheme, while compliance with ERP requirements and Part L Building Regulations ensured the units met the rigorous standards expected of a modern office development.

Additional features including digital scroll compressors, fan walls and high-grade filtration systems further strengthened the quality and long-term value of the solution. 

The fully packaged nature of the units reduced the need for on-site interconnecting pipework and additional wiring, improving quality assurance and cutting installation time.

With fewer individual systems and components to maintain, the end user also benefits from lower ongoing service and maintenance costs.

Weatherite air conditioning said in a statement: “Winning a prestigious city-centre commercial project takes more than competitive pricing.

“It takes technical credibility, a collaborative approach, proven manufacturing capability and the confidence to solve problems other suppliers may shy away from.

“Pilgrim Quarter is more than a successful installation.

“It is a clear example of what clients are really buying when they choose Weatherite: bespoke engineering, dependable manufacturing, collaborative delivery and the confidence that even complex site constraints can be turned into a high-performing solution.

“In a competitive market, that is what wins projects.”

Pictured: The Weatherite team